Design Collective and Plano-Coudon Partner with National Aquarium on New Animal Care and Rescue Center

The National Aquarium has announced it is partnering with Baltimore-based firms Design Collective and Plano-Coudon to create the new Animal Care and Rescue Center, just 0.7 miles from the Inner Harbor in the historic Jonestown neighborhood. The location at 901 East Fayette Street will provide a facility for the care of the Aquarium’s current and future animals and some of its rescue operations.

“We are proud to be working with Design Collective and Plano-Coudon, who share in our commitment to the community here in Baltimore,” said National Aquarium Vice President of Planning and Design Jacqueline Bershad. “The addition of the Animal Care and Rescue Center to Jonestown supports efforts to revitalize and invest in this historic neighborhood, while also providing the highest level of care for the Aquarium’s animals.”

Design Collective, whose past projects include the Aquarium’s Living Seashore and Harbor Market Kitchen, is leading the architectural design and construction administration of the space. Their innovative design aims to allow public observation opportunities while maintaining rigorous standards of animal care.

“We are incredibly fortunate to be able to partner with the Aquarium to enhance the quality of care and space they provide for their animals and rescue operations, while simultaneously advancing the revitalization of our great city,” said Matt Herbert, the principal-in-charge of the project for Design Collective.

As head of construction management, Plano-Coudon provides expertise regarding constructability, cost and schedule. The company will manage all subcontractors during the extensive overhaul.

“It is an exciting opportunity to work on a project that enhances the capabilities of a tremendous organization and our city,” said Ryan Coudon, Plano-Coudon owner and founder. “At Plano-Coudon, we are excited to bring our expertise to this sophisticated project.”

The 50,000-square-foot property will be renovated over the next 18 months, with plans to fully transition to the new space in 2018. In this new facility, the Aquarium plans to create opportunities for guests and community members to better understand the work of the Animal Rescue team, the animal quarantine process and the complex art of exhibit fabrication.

The Aquarium’s Animal Care Center has been in its current Fells Point space for 22 years, serving as a location for animal care and quarantine, animal rescue and rehabilitation as well as exhibit fabrication.

The National Aquarium is funding this project through a combination of Aquarium, public and private funds; fundraising efforts will continue over the next one to three years.